Alexei Volkov
When installing a new floor, it is important to consider whether you need to use a moisture barrier. A moisture barrier, also known as a vapour barrier or vapour retarder, is a layer of plastic that is installed between the subfloor and the flooring. It helps to control moisture, prevent sound, provide warmth, and minimize deflection or bend in the floor. While moisture barriers are important, they need to be installed correctly as they can sometimes prevent assemblies from drying and can trap moisture within the subfloor assembly, leading to decay, rot, mould, and mildew.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To act as a moisture barrier, providing moisture control |
| Installation | Can be installed using adhesive tape or glue |
| Thickness | 6 mils or thicker |
| Materials | Plastic sheets |
| Use | For laminate or vinyl plank flooring |
| Limitations | Should not be installed over a wood subfloor as it can trap moisture and cause decay, rot, mould, and mildew |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic underlayment is used as a moisture barrier
Plastic underlayment is often used as a moisture barrier in flooring installations. This underlayment is typically made from poly film or polypropylene and can be used under laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and other types of flooring.
The purpose of a moisture barrier is to prevent water vapour from entering a building or a specific area. In the context of flooring, a moisture barrier is used to protect the floor from water damage, which can cause decay, rot, mould, and mildew. This is especially important when installing flooring over a wood subfloor, as trapped moisture can lead to the same biological processes that cause dead trees to decompose.
There are several types of moisture barriers available, including plastic underlayment. One option is to use a 6 mils (or thicker) plastic sheet as a moisture barrier, which can be taped or glued to the subfloor. Another option is to use an underlayment with a built-in moisture barrier, such as cork or foam underlayment, which can provide additional benefits like sound absorption and thermal insulation.
When installing a plastic moisture barrier, it is important to ensure that the sheets are properly sealed to prevent water from getting through. This can be done by overlapping the sheets and using vapor barrier tape to bond them together. It is also important to consider the specific flooring being installed and follow the manufacturer's guidelines to choose the most appropriate type of moisture barrier.
Overall, plastic underlayment is a common and effective way to protect flooring from moisture damage, and it can be installed easily during the flooring installation process.
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Vapor barriers prevent assemblies from drying
Vapor barriers, also known as vapor diffusion retarders, are materials that reduce the rate at which water vapour can move through a material. They are part of a moisture control strategy for a home, preventing assemblies from getting wet. However, if installed incorrectly, they can prevent assemblies from drying.
Vapor barriers are typically available as membranes or coatings, with membranes being thin, flexible materials and coatings coming in the form of paints. When deciding whether to use a vapor barrier, it is important to consider the climate, the materials used, and the nature of the construction. For example, in very cold and subarctic/arctic regions, vapor impermeable foam sheathings are recommended, while in milder climates, Class III vapor barriers may be suitable.
Vapor barriers should be installed closest to the warm side of a structural assembly, towards the interior in cold climates and the exterior in hot and wet climates. It is important to seal any tears, openings, or punctures to prevent moist air from condensing within the cavity, which could lead to dampened insulation and encourage mold and wood rot.
However, if vapor barriers are installed on the interior of assemblies, they can prevent inward drying. This is especially problematic when the vapor barrier is the floor covering, as it can trap moisture within the subfloor assembly, leading to decay, rot, mold, and mildew. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using vapor barriers where vapor retarders or vapor-permeable materials will provide satisfactory performance and facilitate assembly drying.
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Vapor barriers are installed under concrete slabs
Vapor barriers are also known as vapor-impermeable membranes. They are commonly used to prevent moisture from entering buildings and assemblies. While vapor barriers are effective at preventing moisture from entering a building, they can also prevent assemblies from drying. This can lead to trapped moisture within the subfloor assembly, resulting in decay, rot, mold, and mildew.
When installing a vapor barrier under a concrete slab, it is important to consider the characteristics of an effective barrier. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has provided guidance on when to use a below-slab vapor barrier. The minimum thickness of an effective vapor barrier is 10 mils, as thinner plastic can be damaged during construction. It is also important to consider the permeance of the vapor barrier, which is a measure of how much vapor can pass through. Most experts recommend a permeance value of less than 0.03 perms, with some materials offering values as low as 0.01 perms.
In addition to the thickness and permeance of the vapor barrier, it is also important to consider its placement. The American Concrete Institute (ACI) Committee 302 has provided guidance on the placement of below-slab vapor barriers. It is recommended that a vapor retarder meeting ASTM E1745 Class A be installed directly beneath the concrete. This will provide exceptional protection against water vapor diffusion, with a permeance rating of less than 0.01 perms.
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Wood floors are susceptible to moisture damage
Plastic sheeting or a vapour barrier is often laid under flooring to prevent moisture from entering a building or space. However, when it comes to wood floors, it is not advisable to use a vapour barrier or impermeable plastic sheeting as this can lead to moisture issues.
Wood floors installed above unconditioned spaces are particularly susceptible to moisture. When moisture gets trapped in the wood floor, the same biological process that decomposes dead trees in the forest will happen to the floor. This is because wood is hygroscopic, meaning it swells with a gain in moisture and shrinks with a loss of moisture.
To prevent moisture damage, it is important to test for moisture in the subfloor and wood flooring before installation. If moisture is detected, the source must be identified and remedied before proceeding. During installation, it is crucial to allow the wood flooring to acclimate to the surrounding conditions for at least two weeks before installation, maintaining the same temperature and humidity during that period.
If you suspect moisture damage to your wood floors, investigate the source of the moisture and address it immediately. For low levels of moisture, using a dehumidifier and a fan to circulate air and dry out the boards can be effective. In more severe cases, you may need to pull up some planks to allow for air circulation and drying.
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Foam underlayment is not a moisture barrier
Foam underlayment is a common form of laminate underlayment. It is a thin layer of cushioning foam material placed between plywood/OSB subfloors and laminate flooring. However, standard foam underlayment does not provide any vapour barrier characteristics and should not be used in high-moisture areas.
When foam underlayment is used in high-moisture areas, it can cause moisture to become trapped within the material, leading to the growth of mould or warping of the material. This is because foam underlayment is not impermeable to water vapour.
Vapour barriers, also called "vapour-impermeable membranes", are intended to prevent assemblies from getting wet. However, they can also prevent assemblies from drying, leading to trapped moisture. This can cause the floor covering to become discoloured, warped, loose, soft, or spongey.
Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate underlayment for the specific flooring project. In high-moisture areas, such as basements or bathrooms, a moisture barrier underlayment is recommended. For example, a combination foam underlayment combines standard foam with a vapour barrier layer, making it suitable for use in moist locations.
In summary, while foam underlayment is a popular choice for laminate flooring, it is not suitable for all environments due to its lack of moisture barrier properties.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic layer that goes under flooring is called underlayment. It is installed between the subfloor and the flooring and is used to control moisture, deaden sound, provide warmth, and minimize deflection.
Underlayment is important because it helps to ensure the proper wear and stability of the flooring. It also helps to smooth out any minor deviations in the subfloor and improves the acoustics of the room.
There are various materials that can be used as underlayment, including foam, felt, cork, and Whisper Step. Foam is a cost-effective option that provides some cushioning and insulation, while felt offers better sound control. Cork can enhance sound insulation but is not a moisture barrier and can retain moisture, leading to mold formation. Whisper Step is a popular choice as it is universal and provides Class II moisture control and sound deadening.
